Geology is the scientific study of
the origin, history and structure of the earth. It is a fascinating subject and
many people initially opt for Geology because they want to find out more about
earthquakes, volcanoes, fossils, energy resources or climate change and then go
on to discover many other intriguing aspects of the
subject. A-level Geology doesn’t just provide a good scientific background, but
also an understanding of Earth itself as well as a route into a relevant,
interesting and well paid career with the chance for global travel.

How you study:

This course’s wide variety of
topics keeps it interesting along with the regular use of lectures, labwork and
fieldwork. Geology can only be fully appreciated in the field and we are
fortunate in being situated close to several classic geological localities.
There are many visits throughout the course, the main (residential) field trip
being to the beaches of South Wales, a great experience for the group which
provides important mapping and geological skills. We also attend relevant
lectures and workshops at universities, museums and the British Geological
Survey, as well as hosting several regular visiting speakers from industry and
academia each year.

Department strengths and resources:

Geology is excellently resourced
with hundreds of fossil, rock and mineral specimens as well as microscopes,
modern textbooks, study guides and geological maps. Geology is taught by a qualified
Geologist with a PhD in Palaeontology and many years’ experience in industry,
academia and museums.

Very few centres offer Geology, so
you are one of the lucky minority of students who have the opportunity to study
it, plus you get to go on lots of field trips!

Progression to university:

A very high proportion of students
who first study Geology at A-level enjoy it so much that they then decide to go
on to study it at University. Geologists are amongst the top 20 highest-earning
professionals, with great employment prospects and starting salaries now second
only to medicine!

Our successes:

Results have been consistently
excellent with a 100% pass rate at AS and A2 since the course began in
2007. Over this period, 88% of all our
A2 students have achieved A*-B grades, with 63% gaining an A* or A grade. Similarly, 76% of all our AS students have
achieved A-B grades.

GCSE entrance requirements:

A grade B in Maths and Science
GCSE is desirable. You do not need to have studied Geology before.

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